Theos-Talk Archives (August 1998 Message tt00461)

Aug 28th

Dear Mika::

Forgive the delay in answering as I have to catch up with things after my
computer crashed.

Intent -- as I conceive it, is the  motive aspect of decision.  That is how
I see it. The reason WHY we do anything.

The INTENT (or motive) can be either constructive (positive) or destructive
(negative).

How do we determine the difference ?  Which is preferable ?

I like to look at the concept that we live in a Universe that is governed by
Law.  The laws that operate do so for the constructive progress of all the
beings involved in living together.

It therefore implies cooperation, interaction, sensitivity to others' needs
and wants, and above all it is harmony -- a harmony that is dynamic and
tries to balance our individual decisions and actions with the needs of all
other living beings around us.  One way of translating this is to say that
it is SERVICE to all around us.  It is the offering of what we know and can
do that is best, most impartial, necessary -- to others whom we determine
are in need of our services.  Now this may not appeal to us, in this world
of "supply and demand."  But is it not basically true ?

It is therefore the 1st Object of the Theosophical Movement:  Universal
Brotherhood.

None of us can say where and how or when we "began."  And yet we are all
here.  We live together.  We depend on each other.  Science examines Nature.
And nature contains and is ALL.  It runs according to laws that are
inflexible and just and fair to all concerned.  The work of all scientists
depends on this exact repetitive capacity of Nature.  Thus laws are examined
and determined.

The "Golden Rule" is said to apply ideally in all human relationships:  DO
UNTO OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DO UNTO YOU.  --  Put in a couple of
words, it is "brotherly service."

Let us consider the condition of mankind - which are specialized because
they are independent and can control their INTENT and decide what actions to
initiate.  This is free-will, volition, decision-making.  It is the special
situation of every human being.  He is in effect, teaching himself to live
better.  Where do we get the knowledge to do this ?  Is it not all around us
?  We need to sharpen our awareness.

What are the rules that can apply here in regard to such matters ?  If
brotherhood is the best and most harmonious way of proceeding, then we try
to do good to others to our family, friends, community, nation, and to the
whole world.  In history we respect those who have left a mark on time with
that kind of attitude and practice.  We call them prophets, Sages, wise-men,
and feel inspired when we hear accounts of their actions and words.

All religions use the concept of a single great Reformer who came to reform
the religions of the past and the people to whom he preached and with whom
he worked.  Jesus for the Christians,  Gautama-Buddha for the Buddhists,
Lao-Tze for the Chinese Taoists, Mohammed for those of the Islamic faith;
Krishna, Rama, and many great Rishis, for the Hindus ... and so on.

If the ethics of their work and preaching is studied we find that they are
all identical in terms of fundamentals.  They lived at different times and
worked with peoples of different countries and eras -- yet their teachings
are basically the same.

Theosophical ethics are identical with those of these various reformers.  It
is claimed that all are the same, because the Wise are of one Great and
immemorial Brotherhood.

If we adopt the concept of universal law always in operation -- Karma --
then we may see that every one of our thoughts, feelings and deeds affect
others - for good or for ill.  If Karma is universally just, we affect the
material (the life-atoms) that make up our own physical and psychic
natures -- our "Personality."  We either improve its capacity or we dull and
impair its ability to serve us as a useful tool.

It is important to realize that "WE" are not our "Personality."  It is in
effect a "tool," as we modify it using our will to frame and shape its
functioning.  It envelopes us, and gives access to others and to various
aspects of Nature. But while it may "color" the way we think and feel, it is
NOT "US."  this is very important to realize.  Similarly for our "Mind" and
our "feelings."  they can be modified by us -- so they are our "tools."

In other words we are constantly fashioning, refining or dulling our
capacity to perceive to act and to understand.  We make our own karma as we
go along in life.

If this thesis or proposition is correct, why should we make our lives more
difficult by choosing to do perversities ?  And are not "perversities" the
breaking of natural law, and do we not sense that we are about to do this
when we start to choose ?  Theosophy would say that this halt is the result
of our HIGHER SELF -- the Inner, Immortal WE, -- the HIGHER SELF that dwells
within, which speaks to us, using the "Voice of the Conscience."

Would we not watch over and guide our "intent" into channels of value for
all ?  And thus, we assist in our own progress, learning and evolution.
Cooperation is absolutely essential.

We can be selfish or unselfish.  The selfish hopes to sequester his or her
findings or decisions as one would guard property -- but, for how long can
such guarding and isolation last ?  And is it truly valuable ?

This is I think one of the most vital considerations that Theosophy offers
us.

Best wishes,

Dallas

> Date: Thursday, August 13, 1998 10:34 AM
> From: "Mike Perala" <mikap@dlc.fi>
> Subject: Re: ECP Masters

>> From: "Bjorn Roxendal" <roxendal@usa.net>
>> Date: Wed, 12 Aug 1998 13:09:31 -0600
>> Subject: Re: ECP Masters
>>
>> mika perala wrote:
>> >
>> >
>> > For me, personally, using this kind of 'poetic' language makes me
>> > wonder.. I know its no good reason to ignore what they say but it, O
>> > sons of Gods!!,  just makes me smile and think 'oh, well, they have
>> > forgot their daily tranqualizers', or something...
>>
>> I think the "poetic language" is intentional and an integral part of the
>> message.
>
>What purpose does this 'intent' serve?
>
>mika perala
>Finland
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